Cape May County At 'Medium' Coronavirus Risk, Report Says

CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — Coronavirus is spreading in a "slow and controlled fashion" in Cape May County, according to the Covid ActNow group. Cape May County was listed in the medium level of COVID-19 risk as of Sunday.

"Cape May County’s COVID preparedness meets international standards," the report said. "If this trend continues, Cape May County may eventually achieve herd immunity, though this may take years."

This update comes as New Jersey is no longer on track to contain the coronavirus as infection numbers surge to record new highs across the country, according to the study from researchers and epidemiologists. Read more: NJ No Longer On Track To Contain Coronavirus, Study Shows

Last week, the state was one of only three in the nation that looked likely to get the virus under control as it went from being, along with New York, the world's COVID-19 epicenter to having among the lowest daily diagnoses in the nation, according to a group of epidemiologists tracking the outbreak.

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In Cape May County, the infection rate was 0.98. Any number below one indicates that the virus is spreading in a controlled fashion, according to the report.

In terms of ICU headroom used, the study notes that Cape May County has about 16 ICU beds. Covid ActNow estimates that five people are currently occupying the beds for non-coronavirus reason. The group estimates that the county will only need one for new coronavirus patients, indicating readiness to absorb a wave of coronavirus infections.

The study also noted that from March 8 through April 27, ICU capacity peaked at 57 percent and never reached the "critical" threshold of 70 percent or higher.

View the full report here.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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